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Pacific coast, El Pescadero

Cerritos Beach (Playa Los Cerritos)

Cerritos is the surf beach of El Pescadero, an hour up the Pacific coast from Cabo San Lucas, and the place most people near Cabo learn to surf. It's the friendliest beach on this coast, which isn't the same as calm.

Updated September 2026

Surfing at Cerritos

A rocky point at the north end bends the swell, so the waves here are gentler and more forgiving than elsewhere on the Pacific side. Surf schools set up on the sand, including Mario Surf School (the black tent at the north end), with lessons, boards and wetsuits by the hour. Winter swells bring the most consistent surf. For more, see our surfing at Cerritos page.

Experienced surfers head a few minutes north to San Pedrito, a heavier break over rocks.

Is Cerritos swimmable?

On small days, yes, and it's the beach in this area guides most often call swimmable. But it's still the open Pacific: there are rip currents, a shore break when the swell is up and rocks at the point, and we couldn't confirm regular lifeguard coverage. Swim near other people, stay in front of the sand rather than the rocks, and skip it when the surf is big. For kids, a pool day on Médano is the safer bet.

Food and the area

Beach bars along the sand serve fish tacos and cold drinks, and El Pescadero's farm restaurants are a few minutes inland. For the wider area, see our guide to Cerritos and El Pescadero.

Getting to Cerritos Beach from Villa 1

About 65 km from Villa 1: through Cabo San Lucas and north on Highway 19 toward Todos Santos, then turn toward the sea at about km 64, just south of El Pescadero. It's paved to the turnoff and a short road to the beach. Our concierge can book a driver, or combine it with a Todos Santos day trip.

What to bring

  • Reef booties for the rocky north end
  • A rash guard or light wetsuit in winter
  • Cash in pesos for lessons and rentals
Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cerritos Beach safe for swimming?

It's the calmest Pacific beach near Todos Santos and often swimmable on small days, but it has rip currents and rocks. Stay near other swimmers and out of the water when the surf is big.

Is Cerritos good for beginner surfers?

Yes. It's the main learn-to-surf beach near Cabo, with surf schools renting boards and wetsuits on the sand.

How far is Cerritos from Cabo San Lucas?

About 65 km, roughly an hour north on Highway 19. The turnoff is near km 64.

Is there an entrance fee at Cerritos Beach?

We found no entrance fee. Beach bars rent chairs and umbrellas or include them when you order.

Stay at Villa 1

Your beachfront base in Cabo San Lucas

Villa 1 is a 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath beachfront villa at Hacienda Beach Club on Médano Beach, with a private infinity pool, hot tub and a golf cart. Our concierge can set up drivers, boats and tee times for your dates. Book direct for the best rate.